In October 2016 Foden's were successful in their application to the Heritage Lottery Fund to gain funding help with their 'Heritage & Digital Project' — an innovative undertaking to digitise the Sandbach band's remarkable collection of historical artefacts, original non-copyright 78's recordings and original manuscripts.

Items of memorabilia

The work has been ongoing as Band Manager Mark Wilkinson told 4BR: "'Since the successful application, our team of volunteers led by historian Stewart Green have been busy digitising various items of memorabilia that will be housed on our new heritage website to be launched in March 2018."

Priceless manuscripts

Part of the process has also allowed Foden's to conserve a number of priceless original manuscripts: "Sadly a large number of the manuscripts were destroyed in the bandroom fire last year," Mark added, "but intense research has still allowed us to unearth many remarkable gems, including an original score to 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' by Thomas Keighley used by the band in winning the 1926 British Open Championships under William Halliwell."

Foden's has also recorded a number of original arrangements from the pens of the brass banding giants William Halliwell, William Rimmer and Fred Mortimer, as well as an unidentified arrangement of 'Egmont', used at the Grand Shield contest at Crystal Palace in 1928.

intense research has still allowed us to unearth many remarkable gems, including an original score to 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' by Thomas Keighley used by the band in winning the 1926 British Open ChampionshipsFoden's

Proud history

Mark added: "This one has been a real unearthed gem, as the band didn't compete at the contest. It may have been purchased to play in concert, although we haven't found out where as yet.

He concluded: "We are extremely proud of our history and would like to thank the Heritage Lottery for their funding which allows us to safeguard this for future generations to enjoy worldwide."